⚔️ Vermillion Cloud Sect – Outer Region Testing Grounds
The Grand Ash Trial — an annual combat rite held beneath the scorched ruins of the Old Skyforge — had drawn hundreds of disciples from scattered sects, rogue cultivators, and hidden clan heirs.
But amidst all of them… one name didn't exist.
No sect. No clan. No origin.
> "Contestant No. 1749 — Name: Yē Chén."
A false name.
A cold gaze.
Jet-black robes. A plain, unmarked scabbard. And an aura... like still water.
No one paid attention to him — until the first duel began.
---
🩸 Round One – The Blazing Talon Scion vs. 'Yē Chén'
> "Your cultivation is trash. Just surrender."
Said Guo Lang, heir of the Blazing Talon Clan. Mid-stage Nascent Soul. Spirit beast contract user. Popular. Loud. Arrogant.
Shěn Nìchén said nothing.
A signal flare fired.
Guo Lang's fire eagle shrieked toward him, claws ignited.
Shěn stepped once.
> Void Walk – Phase Two: Pulse Shift.
His form flickered.
The eagle struck nothing.
By the time Guo Lang turned—his arm dropped to the ground.
> CLANG!
Only then did the audience realize: he'd drawn his sword — and sheathed it — in a breath.
---
> "W-what just—!?"
"I didn't even see it—"
"The spiritual pressure… there wasn't any!"
> "DISQUALIFIED! GUO LANG IS UNABLE TO CONTINUE!"
---
🧊 Shěn's Thoughts – System Notification (Silent)
> 🔔 [System Notification]
🎁 System Reward: "Phantom Vein Qi Manual – Tier: Void Rank"
➤ Enhances energy flow during combat, fully conceals technique trace
🌑 Hidden Bonus Unlocked: "Void Memory Layer"
➤ Allows sword techniques to be stored in "zero-thought space"
➤ Usable even when unconscious or restrained
➤ Cannot be copied, observed, or recorded by divine senses
He returned to the waiting bench. Sat silently. Eyes closed.
Not a flicker of pride.
Not a ripple of intent.
---
🔥 High Balcony – Sect Observers
A silver-eyed elder narrowed her gaze.
> "That boy… he doesn't belong to any sect?"
An inner sect teacher replied, "No records. Possibly a rogue cultivator."
Another snorted. "Or a fraud using a borrowed treasure."
But one man — masked, silent — turned and left.
> "He has no presence. No cause. He is... void."
---
🕊️ Back in the Caveabode – Nightfall
After the trial, Shěn Nìchén returned without alerting a single soul. Not even the array master noticed his presence at the trial.
> He sat alone.
> Polished the blade.
> Reviewed the sword path etched in silence.
> Not for show.
Not for glory.
But for something no one would ever understand.